Gospel of Mark

Session 4

Read Mark 15:1-15

Watch Francis Chan Video 10: 07.22 – End.

Discuss

Pilate, a Roman governor, asked Jesus an equivalent question (15:2) to that posed by the high priest in 14:61. How does Pilate’s response compare to the high priest’s?

How does Mark describe Barabbas?

Based on 15:7, what does Barabbas offer the people that Jesus doesn’t or chose not to?

The crowds that followed Jesus, much like the disciples, didn’t want a suffering saviour—they wanted a conquering Christ. Barabbas the murderer had earned his executioner’s sentence in an anti-Rome uprising. He, not Jesus, was the warlike champion the people wanted.

Read Mark 15:16–32.

Throughout the book of Mark, we’ve seen Jesus validate his claim to be the Christ. The Father himself twice confirmed Jesus as his beloved son. Yet, how did the Jews, the Romans, and the passersby treat the divine king?

Read Mark 15:33–39.

Here at the end of the story, the words that were so sweet in the mouth of Peter—“you are the Christ”—become a curse in the mouths of all who see Jesus. All, that is, except one. Who, in the end, understood who Jesus was?

Over and over in the sessions, Francis has been asking us if we really get it. Jesus is the Son of God. He lived and walked in the places we’ve seen in the videos. He is real. His life is real. His works are real.

Who is Jesus to you? What does that mean, then, for your life?

This session ends on a sombre note. Jesus is dead. He’s been crucified. Those who were closest to him denied him. But remember Francis’s words, “No matter what happens in your life, you should always be able to look to the garden, look to the cross and know that God loves you.” Francis reminds us that nothing can compare to the love the Father showed us by allowing his Son to die for us.

Do we really get this? Have our eyes really been opened to the greatness of the gospel message? How should we respond?